title: An exploration of the experience of mothers whose children sustain traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their families.
abstract: This study aims to describe and explore the lived experience of mothers whose children, aged 0-16 years, have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mothers were interviewed between 2 and 10 years following the TBI. The study employed a qualitative method, interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), following semi-structured interviews with 10 mothers. Validity measures included independent audit of the analysis. The analysis generated themes of ;changes to and loss of the past child', ;effects on mother's health', ;mother's process of coping and support', ;changed roles', ;effects on the whole family' and ;contact with services'. Discussion of the links between participants' accounts and grief and attachment theories is provided, with a view to informing assessment and rehabilitative practice with children and families. The clinical implications of mothers' descriptions for psychological intervention and service delivery are explored.
authors.affiliation: Cornwall Partnership Trust, UK. alex.clark@cornwall.nhs.uk
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Jacqui
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stedmon
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Margison
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005192:Family Health; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006117:Grief; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom